Everyone came to a small campground in Michigan separately, but by the end of one long weekend the between them were obvious and strong. The cars rolled in bringing cager young adults to a Memorial Day Retreat. They were chosen to Participate in, “Leading the Way: A Sikh Leadership Retreat “More than 50 people from across the U. S. and Canada a tended the retreat sponsored by the Sikh Youth Federation.
Three days of workshops, lectures and seminars in Ortonville, Michigan Renerated an unbelievable amount of energy and spirit, Organizers of the conference say their purpose was to explore the wide realm of problems facing our community and then create substantial solutions. Ultimately they hoped to give a sense of empowerment to all those who attended. This is with a belief that these voices of a progressive future will implement the changes needed in our community to make us stronger Sikhs with a united front.
Four workshops were held over the course of two days. The workshops were lead by youth who have shown their commitment to the Sikh way of life, all who attended the conference were invited based on their demonstrated belief in the principles established by the Ten Gurus.
Each day began with Kirtan, Hukam and Vayakhya. With Wahegurus blessing the participants embark ‘on tough problem solving. Kiranjit Kaur from Pinole California started off the workshops. She talked about Sikh women and their contributions to the community. Harjinder Singh from Toronto explored infusing Sikh values in our children. Tarunjit Singh from Ohio delved into the deep rooted prejudices and stereotypes that divide the Sikh community from the outside world and within itself And Kulmeet Singh from Chicago and Harmanpreet Singh from Toronto forced all to look inward to the self and how Gurbani guides us to realize the self. Each of the workshops was designed to generate discussion and concrete ways to overcome the problems the group felt ‘were m~ important.
In the evening everyone was able to hear the views of knowledgeable adults working to support the endeavors of the young people. Among those who spoke was Satjivan Singh Khalsa from New York, Dr. Gurbaksh Singh from Virginiaand Kuldeep Singh from Ohio.
The keynote address was given by Ramandeep Kaur from Toronto. She ‘was also a participant. Her message ‘was clear and simple. She stressed the importance of creating a network among young people scattered across the world and pointed out that the weekend was in fact the building of a foundation for leaders of the future. Using the Guru Granth Sahib she eloquently told her peers not to cut corners and make concessions because we all need to be strong in our Sikhi.
At the end of all the talk several people volunteered to begin implementing changes in their local communities, these individuals took the responsibility of making changes at their local Gurdwaras and among other youth in their community.
They also vowed to keep in touch so they could inform each other of their successes ‘and failures. While everyone worked towards coming to a better understanding of how to help the Sikh community they also broughtoutthe bestin cach other. Their love for the Guru was gloriously displayed during an extended Kirtan Dharbar. In the middle of the woods on a stormy night everyone sang the praises of Wahcguru. The ‘energy generated from close to three hours of continuous sir everyone present.
The weekend did provoke many to reevaluate their lives and overcome the hurdles they’re facing right now. Everyone who attended was at a different level of spiritual understanding, but they all felt within in them the same burning urge to become God centered. They realized that for all their differences the conflicts within each are essentially the same.
After spending three days hashing out issues all the participants were left with even greater problems that need to be addressed. Before everyone left Kuldeep Singh of Ohio presented the group with two problems he felt were foremost and most threatening in our ‘community.
He says, the one issue which is tearing at the very seams of the Sikh community is the prevalence of caste, It pervades very where, in our homes, Gurdwaras and beyond. He wants the youth to pick up the fight to abolish the caste distinctions within our communities.
He also says the second largest problem is with our young women. More and more women don’t want to marry keshdan’ men. Where have we as a community failed to instill pride in ‘our women? What’s going on with young girls? Could there be a sub compromise between mothers and daughters that is pulling our Sikh sisters away from the Sikh way of life.
These final two problems need to be addressed by the entire Panth. Overall, everyone who attended the Memorial Day weekend session left with a heightened awareness of what they want to do for the Panth. For any of you who would like to express your solutions or perspectives on the above mentioned issues please submit your views to Harvind Kaur P.O, Box 2414 Northbrook, IL 60062.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 14, 1995
